Chinese · Shiyan, China · Born 8 January 2002Chinese player who won the singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and reached the 2024 Australian Open final.
Zheng Qinwen was born on 8 October 2002 in Shiyan, Hubei province, China, and picked up a tennis racquet for the first time at seven. Just two months later, she and her father travelled to Wuhan to show her talent to professional coaches, who were impressed enough that Zheng relocated there to train seriously, living apart from her parents with her grandparents for support during a period she has described as emotionally difficult. Zheng turned professional in 2018 and grew up idolising fellow Chinese trailblazer Li Na, whose 2011 French Open triumph — won on the very same Court Philippe-Chatrier where Zheng would later make her own history — inspired her to pursue the sport professionally. She trained across Beijing and later Barcelona in pursuit of her ambitions. Zheng reached her first Grand Slam final at the 2024 Australian Open, losing to Aryna Sabalenka, before delivering the signature moment of her career at the Paris 2024 Olympics: defeating world No. 1 Iga Świątek in the semi-finals before beating Croatia's Donna Vekić in the final to win gold, becoming the first Chinese and first Asian player ever to win an Olympic singles tennis title. Zheng reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in June 2025, and has continued to build on a breakthrough that her father has said represents just the beginning of her ambitions, following directly in the trailblazing footsteps of her childhood idol, Li Na.
2024 Olympic singles gold medalist
She won Olympic gold at Paris 2024, becoming the first Chinese tennis player — male or female — ever to win an Olympic singles title.
Did You Know?How They Played
Zheng is known for her aggressive baseline game built around a powerful forehand and strong serve. She plays with intensity and is not afraid to take risks, often stepping inside the court to take balls early and dictate points. Her physical strength and court coverage allow her to sustain long rallies while maintaining offensive pressure.
Lasting Impact
Zheng has reinvigorated Chinese tennis and inspired a new generation of players in her home country with her breakthrough performances on the biggest stages.
Career Honours
- Olympic gold medallist (2024 Paris, singles)
- Australian Open singles finalist (2024)
Chinese Athletes